D-backs' GM Towers: 'We're going to make the playoffs'

Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton greets Chris Young (24) at home plate after Upton hit a three-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning of an interleague baseball game, Wednesday, June 20, 2012, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers' confidence in his club is contagious. He still believes wholeheartedly in his team's chances to put together a run and make the playoffs.

He is willing to go on record and state the D-backs will, in fact, play October baseball.

"I think we're as good as anybody in the west, and knock on wood but I'll stick my head out there, but we're going to make the playoffs," Towers told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Show Wednesday. "We got a run in us and it's going to happen."

Despite the fact the D-backs currently find themselves in third place in the NL West, one game below .500 at 34-35 on the season, Towers feels in his gut his current crop of players have what it takes to get back on the winning track.

"I am waiting for this team just to go," Towers said. "I still believe that it's a better club then it was last year.

"I am really just kind of waiting for the boys to kind of take over and do what I felt they were going to do this winter."

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With the trade deadline approaching in July, Towers said this year's situation isn't as cut and dry as it's been in years past in terms of determining whether or not this team is a contender. After Wednesday's 14-10 win over the Mariners, the D-backs are only three games out of a NL Wild Card spot despite being under .500.

While Towers is open to improving his club if the right piece becomes available, he thinks the D-backs can right the ship with the personnel already in-house.

"I really kind of believe we have it here," Towers said. "I've kind of looked externally and I don't really see difference makers that are out there from the outside."

Towers and his staff did their due diligence beefing up the talent and depth of the team this past offseason with the addition of outfielder Jason Kubel and re-signing starting pitcher Joe Saunders. The D-backs general manager is still hopeful those moves will prove fruitful and help propel his club into making a legitimate playoff push.

"I am going to stick with these guys right here," Towers stated. "My neck is in the noose with them. We are either going to win together or we're going to lose together.

"I believe in the personalities that we have in the clubhouse. I still like the vibe down there. I still believe that these guys are going to be a band of brothers and rally together and find a way when it really counts."